Fabrice Muamba released from hospital with beaming smile

FABRICE Muamba left hospital today with a beaming smile.

The Bolton Wanderers footballer was discharged almost one month to the day after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premiership game against Tottenham.

Muamba smiled as he left hospital and thanked staff and fans as he was discharged.

He was met by Dr Andrew Deaner, the doctor and Tottenham fan who rushed onto the pitch at White Hart Lane when Muamba first collapsed and was said to have saved the young footballer's life.

He was also pictured with Dr Sam Mohiddin, the consultant cardiologist who had overseen his recovery.

Muamba, who has released several pictures of himself during his recovery, said: "I am naturally very pleased to be discharged from hospital and would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to every single member of staff at The London Chest Hospital who have played a part in my care.

I wish to say thank you to all the many well-wishers who have sent thousands of messages of support

"Their dedication, professionalism and expertise is simply amazing and I will forever be in their debt.

"I also wish to say thank you to all the many well-wishers who have sent thousands of messages of support.

"Now I am out of hospital, I am looking forward to continuing my recovery and spending precious time with my family."

The former England Under-21 international received treatment on the field before being taken to the London Chest Hospital. It later emerged that it took 78 minutes for his heart to start working unassisted.

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle added: "It is absolutely fantastic news that Fabrice has been discharged from hospital and everyone at the club is delighted.

"We would also like to add our thanks to the staff at The London Chest Hospital for their care and treatment of Fabrice, which has been outstanding.

"It is important that Fabrice and his family are now given time and space to be together, and we would ask the media to continue to respect their privacy."